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Monash pipe organ celebrates 25 years

24 August 2005

Acclaimed keyboard artist and Monash University organist Mr John O'Donnell will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sir Louis Matheson Pipe Organ next month with a special performance of classic works.

The performance will be at 2 pm on Sunday 4 September at the Robert Blackwood Concert Hall at Monash's Clayton campus.

The Sir Louis Matheson Pipe Organ is considered one of the finest instruments of its kind in the world.

It was installed at the Robert Blackwood Concert Hall in 1980 after taking master organ builder and designer Juergen Ahrend more than two years to construct in Germany. Mr Ahrend is widely recognised as one the finest organ builders and restorers of the current era.

Mr O'Donnell is an internationally renowned organist, harpsichordist, choral conductor and musicologist.

He has been involved with the Sir Louis Matheson Pipe Organ from its conception in 1973, when he advised on the project, to its installation at Monash in 1980 and up to the present.

"The Sir Louis Matheson Pipe Organ is the only large organ in Australia built entirely according to classical principles," Mr O'Donnell said.

"It represents a style of organ building from the golden age of the instrument and its music -- from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Playing this instrument is sheer pleasure -- everything works to perfection."

Mr O'Donnell has selected five celebratory works for the occasion, including Praeludium in E Minor by Nicolaus Bruhns, which he played at the organ's inauguration in 1980.

The musical program will feature:

  • Praeludium in E Minor ('Great') -- Nicolaus Bruhns (1665--1697)
  • Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein -- Dietrich Buxtehude (1637--1707)
  • Concerto in A Minor -- Antonio Vivaldi (1678--1741), transcribed for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 593)
  • Suite du Deuxieme Ton -- Louis-Nicolas Clerambault (1676--1749)
  • Toccata con Fuga in F (BWV 540) -- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685--1750).

For bookings, telephone +61 3 9905 1111 or email boxoffice@adm.monash.edu.au.